X-Mansion
Nick Fury always found Xavier's office to be a very interesting sight, besides the fact that he had one formidable library just in his office, he also had a very good view that showed off the grounds of his home and now school. The grounds were often filled with young mutants playing games and working on controlling their powers.
Charles Xavier had introduced himself to Nick Fury almost ten years ago, after Fury had been sent to investigate a mutant attack that Charles was attempting to figure out himself. The two worked together and managed to solve everything but that did not diffuse the distrust between the two of them. Fury had originally hoped to used Scott, Jean, or Ororo in his Avengers but Charles had refused, intending to keep the mutant community out of the affairs of Shield for as long as he could.
Fury took a seat across the desk from Charles who moved a few papers around as Hank brought the briefcase that Fury had brought him six months ago along with copies of research and findings. "I must say Director that this was one of the truly fascinating projects of my life" stated Hank beaming with joy.
Fury shook Hank's hand with a small smile "Anything that can help us understand what this is capable of is much appreciated" he replied as Hank nodded.
"You can go now Hank. Director Fury and I have some things to discuss" explained Charles sensing that Fury came here for more than his science project back. Hank nodded and made his way to the exit closing the door behind him. "So, you know Logan?" asked Charles with a questioning look.
"Why don't you just read my mind?" asked Fury with a small challenge in his voice.
"I promised you when we entered into this deal that I would not read your mind unless given express consent which I am positive you have not given." Charles replied with a serious look on his face.
"A man of honor, now that is something you do not see every day, now is it?" asked Fury standing and heading to the window to look out over the grounds.
"Then you operate in the kind of world I very much want nothing to do with" answered Charles turning and wheeling his way next to Fury.
"Logan worked for Shield a few times over the years before his retirement and subsequent disappearance in the 1980's we had dealings and records for him dating back to the war" explained Fury.
"Vietnam?" asked Charles getting a shake of the head from Fury.
"Try World War II, he was asked to be a member of the Howling Commandos by Captain America himself but declined. Once Shield got up and running he would handle the occasional mission for us but like I said in the early 80's he retired and vanished before popping up again in the 90's where I spent a good five years trying to get him to join back but he refused." Fury cracked his neck after what Charles assumed was probably a long flight. "I was surprised to see him on the footage last night, and even more surprised to see him fighting against members of the Brotherhood."
"I figured you would have heard what happened" stated Charles getting a nod from Fury. "Sabretooth and Toad were attempting to kidnap a young mutant at the mall, Logan stepped in and my team happened to be taking the kids on a brief trip there."
"Mystique was there too, we caught her changing forms outside the mall on the way to her escape" explained Fury as Charles nodded.
"I assumed she was at least nearby given Sabretooth being a brute and Toad being a bit of a simpleton" stated Charles noting that Fury was still staring out of the window.
Fury sighed and looked at Charles "You have to get this under control" he stated simply and coolly showing no emotion with his one eye staring into Charles.
"Magneto is a slippery opponent, a zealot and a very convincing man. Places like the Robert Kelly Correctional Facility only bring him more followers" explained Charles prompting a head turn by Fury.
"Haven't seen the news this morning?" asked Fury getting a questioning look from Charles who turned on the small television he kept in his office when he wanted to get some time for himself.
"This is Gloria Grant, reporting for the Daily Bugle as the we continue our live reporting of the attack on the Robert Kelly Correctional Facility in Boston. Hundreds of mutants escaped and were led on a vicious attack on the city, several police officers and civilians were killed as the Brotherhood of Mutants have claimed responsibility for the breakout and subsequent attack" the young reporter stated before Charles turned off the TV.
"I can confirm that Magneto led the assault on the Box, and that he got just about every mutant in the building out" explained Fury as Charles fumed.
"How many are back in custody?" asked Charles knowing that such a brazen attack would lead to more unwarranted hate and discrimination against mutants.
"A small handful, but most disappeared with Magneto which leads us to believe that he now has a small army of mutant's behind him" explained Fury keeping his eye on Charles who sighed.
"Magneto believes in what he is doing and the people that follow him believe the same thing" explained Charles as he turned his chair back towards an old picture he had on a table with him and Magneto when they first met.
"I understand that, but the problem is that he is drawing the kind of attention that will put Mutant-Human relations in a very difficult spot" stated Fury as Charles turned back to face him. "Magneto has caught the attention of the United Nations and the Security Council, the attack in Switzerland was the last straw."
"What does that mean exactly?" asked Charles.
"It means that the deal we haveā¦that Shield will try to leave as many mutant incidents to you and your team as we can in exchange for some level of cooperation will end." Fury sighed as Charles moved himself near his desk. "The Security Council plans on requesting Shield assistance the next time Magneto makes a big move, it was set into motion late last night once Magneto and the Brotherhood took responsibility for the attack" explained Fury.
Charles looked at Fury closely "So what? Planning to send your Avengers in to handle Magneto and his army? Provide him even more ammunition to use when he goes searching for more followers, if Shield brings Magneto down he becomes a martyr which is not something the world can really afford" replied Charles getting a nod from Fury who grabbed the briefcase and folder and made his way towards the door to Charles office.
"You're not wrong Charles, but unfortunately the world may not care what it can and can't afford." Stated Fury opening the door and leaving Charles to his thoughts.
His mind was spinning, what could Erik need an army for? Shield becoming a player in the Brotherhood situation would be like throwing gas on an out of control fire. Charles knew that the X-Men would have to move quickly when Magneto made his next move.
